Sen. Kurita's online disclosure bill
passes Senate

March 20, 2002



Senator Rosalind Kurita's legislation to give the public Internet access to
campaign finance information was approved by the State Senate this week with
a 27-5 vote. Under the legislation, a state agency will be required to post
financial disclosures on a state web site.
Current law allows public inspection of campaign finance information at a
state office building in Nashville. However, interested citizens must show
a drivers license and complete an inspection request form which is later
forwarded to the candidate. Sen. Kurita said citizens have to "jump through
too many hoops" to get access to the public records.
"The public is best served by complete and open disclosure of all campaign
contributions to candidates and political organizations," Sen. Kurita said.
"Passage of campaign disclosure laws over the past several years was a good
first step. But, the current practice of locking those disclosure forms in
a poorly accessible state office building in Nashville has done little to
build public confidence in our electoral process. Posting campaign
contribution disclosures on the world-wide web truly gives citizens the
opportunity to inspect campaign finances."
Under the legislation, the state's Registry of Election Finance would
maintain the web site. The cost to the state is estimated to be minimal.
The bill is awaiting action by the House.